State PN Government: "Preserve and conserve old and growing shade trees", but it just cut down a 100-year-old Sacred Fig Tree at Jalan Stesen, Alor Setar in obscene haste

The Leaders Online:

Ramasamy: Preserve and conserve old and growing shade trees

It is understood that on 29 June 2020, the Kedah State PN Government has issued a circular recommending all state departments to preserve and conserve old and large shade trees in the State of Kedah Darul Aman.

However, on 22 July 2020, the Kedah State Government has cut down a hundred-year-old Sacred Fig Tree at Jalan Stesen, Alor Setar which is the location of the recently demolished Mathurai Veeran Temple.

Why did the Kedah State Local Authority take action that is contrary to the State Government’s own policy?

The reason why the tree has been cut down is still unknown. Was this action taken with bad intentions?

Why is action taken in a hurry to cut down the tree immediately?

Aged and growing shady trees have their significance in preserving many living things. Of course, the action to cut down trees like this should be considered carefully before any enforcement action is taken.

The Kedah State Government should consider the interests of all parties and should not take action to meet its own interests.

P Ramasamy is the deputy chief minister II of Penang